It may sound like a big cliché for me to say, however, now really is an exciting time to be involved with generators and engines. I say this with only the up-most sincerity knowing full well that the current trend of generators could continue on its current trend of more conventional diesel models. However, there are also a number of exciting new options that have created optimism in the industry. More specifically, I am referring to the exceptional advances in generator and engine technology that have made appearances in the industry as of late, and that have subsequently begun to provide some exciting new options for many users. One of the most notable is the bi-fuel engine generator. I strongly believe that it has the potential to change generators for the better. For those unfamiliar with a bi-fuel system, it is a type of diesel engine ignited through compression and operates on both diesel and natural gas combustion, but with a strong emphasis on the latter. The simultaneous usage of natural gas and diesel give bi-fuel generators more adaptability and efficiency for users when relying on the power source for a number of different functions. It is hard to argue that the bi-fuel engine generator is not a bright light in our industry and represents a more eco-conscious awareness as well.

A Little More About Bi-Fuel Engine Capabilities

The bi-fuel system provides a reliable and more environmentally friendly method of standby power than traditional diesel generators. Upon ignition, the bi-fuel generator runs off of only diesel fuel, which is most of the extent of the fuel source’s involvement within the generator. Although, as the bi-fuel engine system continues to run, it predominantly operates on natural gas at around 90 percent, with the remaining10 percent coming from diesel. As you can likely imagine, this detachment from diesel fuel allows users to rely less on the fuel source and more on natural gas, which is easier to store. Additionally, bi-fuel allows generators to extend run times through the process. This is especially useful for those that rely on generators, diesel in particular, during long power outages, such as a storm or other natural disaster. While cost may be a concern for some thinking about buying a bi-fuel generator, the cost of such models is only incrementally higher than conventional diesel generators, and is generally well-worth the extra expense.

Get Your Green On

Because bi-fuel predominately uses natural gas opposed to traditional generators, which mostly, if not entirely, run on diesel, they are considered by many experts to be “greener.” Natural gas is cleaner burning and therefore releases fewer emissions into the air when in use. This is a significant improvement from diesel, which comparably does have higher amounts of emissions. What’s more, bi-fuel generators let off 30 percent fewer nitrogen oxides emissions and 50 percent less particle matter compared to diesel models.

Whether you are looking for a generator with improved performance, or a model that can help your company get its green on, I personally recommend the bi-fuel option. It is easy to say that it will be the wave of the future for our industry, but I truly believe that you will be hearing about bi-fuel a lot in the future. Because it has the potential to improve so many aspects of how generators improve backup power supplies and other useful functions, there is enormous potential there. If you are at all hesitant about the bi-fuel generator, you should at least give it some consideration as it can save your facility in a pinch, and help improve the environment in the process.

COMMENTS

Neither.At these sizes, it’s most efficient to use a gas turnibe, in which the expanding gas of the burning fuel turns the turnibe directly, rather than going through the lossy process of boiling water. A large gas turnibe can be as much as 57% efficient in electricity production, which is far higher than a diesel engine.A gallon of diesel fuel contains about 130,000 BTU, or 137 megajoules (MJ). At a 55% conversion rate, that would mean 75.35 MJ of electricity. There are 3.6 MJ in a KWh, so that’s 20.9 KWh per gallon of diesel, or 20,930 KWh for 1000 gallons.